Author: Wayne Slavin

The biggest security risk for "Wi-Fi" wireless Internet networks is that users sometimes fail to turn on their encryption software. But even the responsible ones who use the encryption program -- Wired Equivalent Privacy -- aren't immune to malicious attacks. Via [wired.com]

Computer experts and interested amateurs are joining forces to map out wireless networks around the world and find out how many are secure. Via [news.bbc.co.uk]

It seems those pesky regulators may be about to stop one of the most over hyped, rare occurances known to this crazy world of technology: wireless network joyriding, known as War-Chalking, War-Driving, Air-Hopping. You've heard of it right? Via [it-director.com]

An optical antenna that uses a geometrically shaped lens promises to bring greater security to wireless networks for businesses, according to British scientists. Via [news.com.com]

Connectivity services company iPass of Redwood Shores, CA, has announced an upgrade to its 'smart client' software for end-users of its service. Via [siliconvalley.internet.com]

Hans Werner-Braun, a researcher at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and principal investigator for the San Diego County High Performance Wireless Research and Education Network (HPWREN), plans and develops wireless circuits that routinely span miles, including HPWREN's current distance-record holder, a 72-mile-hop installed last month from San Diego to San Clemente Island. Via [computerworld.com]

Hoping people will drop by for free Web access and stay for a sandwich, Schlotzsky's Deli is offering no-cost wireless access at some of its eateries. Via [news.com.com]

T-Mobile USA plans to add so-called Wi-Fi hot spots for high-speed wireless Internet connectivity in about 100 U.S. airport clubs and lounges over the next year through an agreement with Delta Air Lines, United Air Lines, and AMR's American Airlines, the wireless carrier has announced. Via [pcworld.com]

Two new companies, Mobilian and Vivato, this week will unveil products that hint at the future of enterprise wireless LANs. Via [nwfusion.com]

I'm still chasing down rogue wireless LAN access points (AP), but this week I've got bigger issues to deal with as my company integrates recent acquisitions into the IT infrastructure. Via [computerworld.com]

Envision a wireless LAN with: Nearly limitless range, Two or more times the throughput of today's wireless LANs, The smarts to match bandwidth to applications, Bulletproof security. Via [nwfusion.com]

Agere Systems and Proxim Corporation have both entered into strategic partnerships with Swedish mobile solutions provider Ericsson in an effort to push Wi-Fi-based public access hotspots into the mainstream. The goal of the Ericsson Mobile Operator Wireless LAN: to integrate hotspots with mobile 2G and 3G cellular networks and allow roaming between the two types...

Intersil Corp. today laid claim to the first two-chip, dual-band wireless LAN chipset for 802.11a, b and g. Via [reed-electronics.com]

In this paper we'll detail one of these models, a multipath model, that will enable designers to compare the performance of 802.11, 802.11b, and 802.11a system designs. The model presented here is statistically verified using a Simulink/Matlab platform. The effect of delay spread for these transceiver waveforms using the multipath channel model will be presented....

The wireless telephone system uses badges on shirt collars rather than handsets, which Vocera says will be useful in warehouses or hospitals. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]